Farmers Weekly

3 days ago | fwi.co.uk | Philip Case

Fears have been raised over food security after the government approved one of the country’s largest solar farms on fertile East Yorkshire farmland, sparking outrage from campaigners and local leaders. The development, spanning 1,277ha across Gribthorpe, Spaldington, Wressle, and Howden, will see the installation of solar panels capable of powering 100,000 homes. However, critics argue the cost to agriculture and local communities is too high.

6 days ago | fwi.co.uk | Philip Case

A dry spring is raising alarm among UK farmers and agricultural experts, as key crops begin to show signs of stress due to a severe lack of rainfall. Despite one of the most favourable spring planting windows in recent memory, April brought only 56% of average UK rainfall, compounding the driest spring across England since 1961. According to the AHDB, the early advantage gained by timely sowing is now at risk as crops struggle to establish and develop in parched soil.

6 days ago | fwi.co.uk | Andrew Meredith

There is always pleasure to be taken in a landlord-tenant relationship where there is goodwill on both sides and a desire to collaborate. As journalists, too often the stories we hear are when there’s been a breach of trust, a war of words and the lawyers have got involved.

6 days ago | fwi.co.uk | Philip Clarke

Farm leaders have given a mixed response to the new UK-US trade deal, seeing both threats and opportunities for arable and livestock farmers on this side of the Atlantic. Initial details emerged on Thursday afternoon (8 May), with US president Donald Trump describing the deal as “very conclusive” and UK prime minister Sir Keir Starmer calling it “fantastic” and “historic”.

1 week ago | fwi.co.uk | Philip Clarke

Lumberjills crosscutting with a bushman saw in June 1944 © Doris Youde (nee Stanyon) Defra farming minister Daniel Zeichner has unveiled a plaque in central London to mark the contribution of the Women’s Land Army and the Women’s Timber Corps to Britain’s war effort and food security during the Second World WarMore than 100,000 women served in the Women’s Land Army from 1939-1945, carrying out essential farming duties, from general agriculture to pest control, thatching and ditch digging.